HemipteraMiridae – Plant Bugs

Phytocoris neglectus

This record describes Phytocoris neglectus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.

Identification and Appearance

Phytocoris neglectus - Phytocoris neglectus
Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

1) Brownish general coloration; 2) Dorsal surface without dark scalelike setae; 3) Antennae brown or dark brown; 4) A1 > (head width); 5) A2 without medial pale ring; 6) Propleura fuscous, apical 1/3 pale; 7) Front tibiae with 3 dark rings and 3 pale rings; 8) Membrane with infuscation on central area tending to separate into small flecks; 9) Corium with distinct dark mark across apical area, this mark extending obliquely from radius to inner apical angle of corium; 10) Pronotal disk paler on middle and never deep black; and 11) Scutellum with distinct black mark on either side of apical half extending from lateral margin obliquely cephalad to near middle of disk. Type Locality: June 25, Batavia, New York (H. H. Knight)

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
Suborder
Heteroptera
Superfamily
Miroidea
Family
Miridae (Plant Bugs)
Subfamily
Mirinae
Tribe
Mirini
Genus
Phytocoris

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

widely dist. (BC-CA to NL-SC) - Map , uncommon in se.US

Diet and Behavior

Life History

Knight (1920) took specimens most frequently on the bark of apple trees where both nymphs and adults fed on Psocids. The species was also found on the bark of other trees and is probably predaceous on most soft bodied insects living in such situations. ( 5 )

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Phytocoris neglectus Knight, 1920

About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris neglectus. Species-specific details appear above.

Group overview

Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.

Ecological role of the group

Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.

Economic and practical significance of the group

The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.

Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.

Explore Hemiptera families and species →

Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris neglectus

What is Phytocoris neglectus?

Phytocoris neglectus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.

How big is Phytocoris neglectus?

5.5-7.1 mm

How do you identify Phytocoris neglectus?

1) Brownish general coloration; 2) Dorsal surface without dark scalelike setae; 3) Antennae brown or dark brown; 4) A1 > (head width); 5) A2 without medial pale ring; 6) Propleura fuscous, apical 1/3 pale; 7) Front tibiae with 3 dark rings and 3 pale rings; 8) Membrane with infuscation on central area tending to separate into small flecks; 9) Corium with distinct dark mark across apical area, this mark extending obliquely from radius to inner apical angle of corium; 10) Pronotal disk paler on middle and never deep black; and 11) Scutellum with distinct black mark on either side of apical half extending from lateral margin obliquely cephalad to near middle of disk.

Where is Phytocoris neglectus found?

Range: widely dist. (BC-CA to NL-SC) - Map , uncommon in se.US

What is the life cycle of a Phytocoris neglectus?

Knight (1920) took specimens most frequently on the bark of apple trees where both nymphs and adults fed on Psocids. The species was also found on the bark of other trees and is probably predaceous on most soft bodied insects living in such situations. ( 5 )

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.